Strawberry And Chocolate – Location, Tickets, Reviews
Strawberry and Chocolate at 777 Theatre is the first English language production of the Spanish language play adapted from the Oscar nominated, Cuban film, “Fresa y Chocolate” which is based on the short story “The Wolf, The Forest and the New Man” by Senel Paz. It is directed by Tony Award winner Roger Robinson.
Set in Cuba in 1979, Strawberry and Chocolate is a social commentary on gay rights, tolerance, and politics in Cuba. In the play, David is a heterosexual university student, a Communist, and an atheist. Diego is a cultured gay artist, a liberal dissident, and a religious Christian. When David’s homophobic classmate tells him to spy on Diego (who is secretly in love with David), David and Diego form an unexpected friendship.
Strawberry and Chocolate tells an intriguing story but it is too fast paced for a play that offers so much to contemplate. It doesn’t give enough time for the powerful moments to ferment. The breezy music incorporated throughout the play is delightful, but it is not always effective at bringing out the emotion of the story. Unfortunately, this production doesn’t live up to the warmth and depth of its source material.
LOCATION
777 Theatre
777 8th Avenue
New York City
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RUNNING TIME
1 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission
TICKETS
$26.50-$81.00 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Now through December 29, 2013
NEWS & REVIEWS
Reviews
New York Times
In Cuba, Ice Cream and Tolerance in a Rainbow of Varieties
TheaterMania
Don’t expect to be blown away, but you’ll find its flavor agreeable.
Theater Is Easy
Cuban homophobia begins to unravel in this occasionally touching but often heavy-handed revival of a 34-year-old drama.
Boy Culture
It’s well acted, its characters are direct and the setting is evoked rather than laboriously conjured.
News
TheaterMania
Roger Robinson of Strawberry & Chocolate on Why You Should Care About Gays in Cuba
CAST & CREW
(partial list)
Written by Senel Paz
Translated by Eugene Nuñez
Directed by Roger Robinson
Featuring Roy Arias, Frank Huerta, Andhy Mendez